Out of CMO, Siddaramaiah to remain at Cauvery

Bengaluru: Siddaramaiah is expected to continue residing at Cauvery, the official chief ministerial residence despite stepping down from the CM post, marking the second time in his political career that he is likely to retain the bungalow after demitting office.While rules allow a former CM up to six months to vacate the official residence, sources say Siddaramaiah has reached an understanding with CM-designate DK Shivakumar to continue to stay at Cauvery until 2028, the remainder of Congress govt’s term.Cauvery is among the most sought-after govt residences. There are only 21 govt bungalows available for 34 cabinet ministers, and constitutional functionaries, including the Lokayukta, assembly speaker, legislative council chairman and opposition leader. Cauvery is considered premium due to its proximity to Krishna, the CM’s official home office, and its relatively secluded location in the heart of Bengaluru.Siddaramaiah has had a long association with the residence. Sources say he has remained in positions of authority continuously since 2013 while residing at Cauvery, leading some supporters to regard the bungalow as politically “fortunate”.However, now that he is no longer CM, Siddaramaiah will require an alternative arrangement to continue occupying the residence.In 2018, after the Congress-JD(S) coalition govt was formed under HD Kumaraswamy as CM, Siddaramaiah reportedly reached an understanding with Kumaraswamy that allowed him to remain at Cauvery.At the time, KJ George, then serving as industries and IT-BT minister, secured allotment of the residence in his name but continued to live in his own private residence in Bengaluru. It enabled Siddaramaiah to remain at Cauvery.A similar arrangement could be made now. Sources say Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, is likely to be inducted into Shivakumar’s cabinet and could potentially be alloted the residence, allowing Siddaramaiah to continue staying there.Meanwhile, Shivakumar is yet to take a final call on his own official residence and office arrangements. He currently operates from Bungalow No 1 in Kumara Park East, which serves as his official home office.Given Shivakumar’s belief in astrology and vaastu, functionaries expect him either to shift to another govt bungalow or make modifications to his existing residence before formally assuming office.As CM, Shivakumar will have first claim over govt accommodation and can direct ministers occupying official residences to vacate them to facilitate any reshuffle in bungalow allotments.